Iowa State Stars Shine on 2025 Preseason All-Big 12 Football Team

Starke, Florida, USA - As college football fans across the nation gear up for the 2025 season, the Big 12 Conference has made significant waves with its recent announcements, setting the stage for a thrilling year. The conference revealed its 2025 Preseason All-Big 12 Team, spotlighting the standout players expected to lead their teams into battle. Among those recognized, three Iowa State players have earned spots on this prestigious list. According to Des Moines Register, these are Domonique Orange, Jeremiah Cooper, and Jontez Williams.

Domonique Orange, a senior defensive lineman hailing from Kansas City, Missouri, has become a familiar face on the field, having been named an All-Big 12 honorable mention twice. The Cyclones will be counting on him as he navigates his final season, following a 2024 campaign where he recorded 24 tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss. Jeremiah Cooper, another senior and a three-year starter from El Paso, Texas, has also made his mark with seven career interceptions. Coming off a season that saw him earn honorable mention status with 48 tackles and two interceptions, his leadership in the defensive backfield will be crucial. Meanwhile, redshirt junior Jontez Williams from Starke, Florida, shines in his first year as a starter, leading Iowa State with four interceptions and contributing 46 tackles in 2024. This trio exemplifies the Cyclones‘ aim to return to the conference championship after their close loss to Arizona State last season.

Highlighting the Stars

On a broader canvas, the Big 12 named Sam Leavitt of Arizona State as the Offensive Player of the Year and Jacob Rodriguez from Texas Tech as the Defensive Player of the Year. The conference also granted Devon Dampier, the Utah quarterback, the title of Newcomer of the Year. As reported by CBS Sports, these selections showcase the media’s confidence in these players as leaders and game-changers in their respective roles.

Texas Tech and Iowa State each had three players making the Preseason All-Big 12 team, illustrating the competitive spirit bubbling within the conference as teams prepare for battle. The absence of a preseason media poll this year marks a break from tradition, a decision made following last year’s perceived inaccuracies in predictions. A good deal of focus will be on how these recognitions impact team dynamics leading into the season.

Looking Ahead

The excitement surrounding the upcoming football season extends to the anticipated performances of the preseason honorees. Sam Leavitt’s recognition follows a stellar 2024 where he led ASU to the Big 12 title game and a College Football Playoff appearance. Jacob Rodriguez’s defensive prowess is crucial for Texas Tech, while Devon Dampier’s transition from newcomer to standout is a narrative many will follow closely throughout the season.

The 2025 season promises to be full of surprises and standout performances. Each honor given to players like Orange, Cooper, and Williams signifies not only individual talent but also the strength of Iowa State as they aim to reclaim their spot at the top of the Big 12. For fans, players, and coaches alike, there’s a buzz in the air, hinting that perhaps this is the year for new champions to rise.

As teams finalize their preparations for Big 12 Media Days, scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday in Frisco, Texas, anticipation continues to build. With the spotlight on these talented players, it’s clear that the 2025 season holds much promise for thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments on the field. For a deeper look into the preseason All-Conference teams and further insights, fans can explore the full details on Heartland College Sports.